Total Adblock vs. AdGuard 2024: Premium Security or Better Device Coverage?
Total Adblock has stronger security credentials and features, but AdGuard provides parental controls and more device coverage.
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Last updated Jun 12, 2024
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Best premium security
/images/2023/03/01/logo-total-adblock.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Total Adblock's website
Total Adblock
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Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
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Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
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Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
Best for multiple devices
/images/2023/02/10/adguard_main_logo.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AdGuard Ad Blocker's website
AdGuard Ad Blocker
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User-friendly ad blocker that offers broad coverage across browsers and devices without compromising device speed
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The free version provides basic extension-only coverage, while the premium plans boast robust app coverage
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App plans include parental controls, browsing security, browser assistant, DNS leak protection, and a VPN
- Ad-blocking statistics can be hard to interpret
Total Adblock is an effective ad and tracker blocker. It also provides premium security protection with TotalAV antivirus protection. It’s a well-rounded ad blocker with some fancy security tools included.
Don't completely discount AdGuard, though. It's a great ad blocker for families or people looking to cover multiple devices. AdGuard also has more effective free plans available.
We’ll compare Total Adblock and AdGuard based on their prices, features, security standards, and more in our review.
In this article
Total Adblock vs. AdGuardPrices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Total Adblock vs AdGuard: which is better?
Total Adblock vs. AdGuard
Total Adblock is best for people looking for premium security features, including antivirus protection. It also outperformed AdGuard in blocking ads and trackers.
But AdGuard is still a good choice, especially if you want a plan that covers multiple devices and includes parental controls.
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| Best for | Premium security protection | Multiple devices or families |
| Price | From $1.59/mo (billed annually) | From $2.49/mo |
| Ads blocked on Forbes | 12/12 | 14/14 |
| Does it block YouTube ads? | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Amazon Fire, Safari | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Yandex |
| Mobile compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get AdGuard |
Total Adblock pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent ad and tracking blockers
- Includes TotalAV antivirus protection
- 7-day free trial available
Cons
- Free version is severely limited
- Subscription only covers one device
AdGuard pros and cons
Pros
- Has parental controls
- Covers multiple devices
- Compatible with popular browsers
Cons
- Not as effective with ad blocking
- Desktop apps aren't free
Total Adblock vs. AdGuard: prices
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Our Pick |
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| Price range | Free or $1.59/mo (billed annually) | $2.49-$5.49/mo |
| Best value plan | 1-year plan for $1.59/mo (billed annually) | Yearly personal plan for $2.49/mo |
| Free version available | ||
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 60 days |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get AdGuard |
On the surface, Total Adblock and AdGuard have similarly priced plans. However, they cover a different number of devices.
Total Adblock only covers one device at a time, so you'll need to purchase multiple subscriptions to cover several devices.
However, Total AdBlock does come with TotalAV antivirus protection, which monitors your device in real-time for cyber threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, and more. Depending on your cybersecurity needs, this could make the overall value more attractive.
Meanwhile, AdGuard's plan covers up to three devices. If you need even more device coverage, AdGuard offers a family plan to cover up to nine devices.
Overall, AdGuard's subscription provides more value. It also has a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you plenty of time to evaluate its effectiveness.
It's also worth noting that Total Adblock and AdGuard have different approaches to their free plans. Total Adblock's free plan doesn't block ads from the top 15,000 websites, which makes it non-functional for many popular sites.
On the other hand, AdGuard's free plans only work on browser extensions as well as Android and iOS apps. But, the phone apps have limited functionality in blocking ads.
Winner: AdGuard plans provide more device coverage and a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied.
Total Adblock vs AdGuard: features
| Feature | |
|
| Whitelisting | ||
| Blacklisting | ||
| Ads blocked counter | ||
| Bypasses paywalls | ||
| Block pop-up ads | ||
| Block tracking | ||
| Block video ads | ||
| Block banner ads | ||
| Block push ads | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get AdGuard |
Total Adblock and AdGuard generally have the same features, but there are two notable differences.
First, AdGuard has blacklisting, which includes parental controls. This feature allows you to create a list of websites to block to keep your children safe from websites with explicit content.
Another notable AdGuard feature is that it bypasses soft paywalls. Some websites let you view some free content, but you'll need a subscription to access premium content. Our testing shows that AdGuard bypassed these types of paywalls, as we tested it on local news sites.
/images/2023/02/10/adguard_2023_5.png)
Beyond ad-blocking features, Total Adblock includes TotalAV antivirus protection. It works in real-time to encrypt browsing activity, monitor for data breaches, and protect against viruses. This useful layer of security increases its value, so you may prefer Total Adblock if you’re looking for a security stack.
/images/2022/09/22/totalav_adblocker.png)
Winner: We’ll call this a tie. AdGuard has parental controls and the ability to bypass soft paywalls. However, Total Adblock includes antivirus protection.
Total Adblock vs AdGuard: test results
Our Pick |
|
|
| Adblock Tester score | 100/100 | 94/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| YouTube ads blocked | ||
| Paywalls blocked | ||
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get AdGuard |
Total Adblock received a stellar 100/100 score for the Adblock Tester. In comparison, AdGuard had a difficult time competing.
During our testing, we got several scores across a variety of browsers and devices. Its best result was 94/100. It's respectable but not as good as Total Adblock. AdGuard struggled with the error monitoring bugsnag tests used to track and measure errors on websites.
/images/2024/04/24/adguard_adblock_tester_results_pc.png)
Another difference is that AdGuard managed to bypass soft paywalls during our testing. Total Adblock failed to unblock paywalls, so this is something to consider if accessing paywalled content is important to you.
Both Total Adblock and AdGuard received the same test results for Cover Your Tracks. They struggled to hide our browser's unique digital fingerprint, meaning websites could tell who we were when we visited. However, this is a common score among the ad blockers we tested, and they both blocked tracking ads and invisible trackers.
/images/2023/10/12/total_adblock_review_102023_2.png)
Both ad blockers also successfully blocked YouTube ads during our testing, so you can stream videos without ad interruptions.
Winner: Total Adblock wins since it received a perfect AdBlock Tester score.
Total Adblock vs AdGuard: compatibility and customer support
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|
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Samsung Browser, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Opera, Safari | Yes — Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Yandex |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, phone, email, online guides | Email, knowledge base, FAQ, community forum |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get AdGuard |
Overall, AdGuard provides more browser compatibility compared to Total Adblock. All major browsers have an AdGuard extension, so most people can use it without switching browsers.
As far as customer support, AdGuard provides detailed online guides, a support email address, and community forums to get answers to your questions. One downside is that it doesn't have 24/7 customer support or a live chat.
Total Adblock has the advantage of customer support. It provides 24/7 support via live chat, though it took us a Google search to find it. Total Adblock’s main support page only leads to its online guides for technical support, account support, and billing support.
Winner: We’ll also call this one a tie. AdGuard wins for its variety of browser extensions, while Total Adblock offers 24/7 live chat support.
Total Adblock vs AdGuard FAQs
+
Is Total AdBlock the best ad blocker?
The best ad blocker will successfully block all ads and trackers. Total Adblock flawlessly blocked ads during our testing and successfully blocked tracking ads and invisible trackers.
You may also appreciate that TotalAV antivirus protection is included in your plan. This can help create a comprehensive security plan.
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What is better than AdGuard?
AdGuard is a capable ad blocker, but it may not fit your needs if you want additional products like a VPN or antivirus. Consider other ad blockers like Total Adblock, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Surfshark CleanWeb.
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What are the disadvantages of Total Adblock?
One notable disadvantage of Total Adblock is that one subscription only covers one device. If you want to use Total Adblock on multiple devices, you must purchase multiple subscriptions.
Another noticeable drawback of Total Adblock is that the free version doesn't block ads from the top 15,000 websites.
+
Is AdGuard a Russian company?
AdGuard was founded in Russia but has since moved its headquarters to Cyprus, which is under EU law.
Total Adblock vs AdGuard: which is better?
Overall, Total Adblock performs better as an ad blocker since it passed our ad and tracker testing with minimal flaws. While it's not as usable as AdGuard in terms of browser compatibility and device coverage, it's a better blocker. Combined with TotalAV antivirus protection, Total Adblock is a useful security tool.
However, you may prefer AdGuard if you’re looking for parental controls, a free ad blocker, or need more device coverage.
/images/2023/03/01/logo-total-adblock.png){kind=logo}
Total Adblock
-
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
-
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
-
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Total Adblock vs AdGuard alternatives
Total Adblock and AdGuard have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s possible that neither is the perfect fit for you. However, a few other ad blockers are worthy of your consideration.
Here is a brief overview of some of the best ad blockers:
|
 Threat Protection |
 CleanWeb |
|
| Best for | Best for blocking YouTube ads | Best overall | Best for blocking streaming ads |
| Price | Starts at $1.59/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed biennially) |
| Free version? | |||
| Adblock Tester score | 100/100 | 93/100 | 96/100 |
| Cover Your Tracks score | 2/3 | 2/3 | 0.5/3 |
| Can You Block It score | 3/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Blocks YouTube ads? | |||
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Amazon Fire, Safari, Android, iOS | Threat Protection: Windows, macOS
Threat Protection Lite: |
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, FireTV |
| Learn more | Get Total Adblock | Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Get Surfshark CleanWeb |
Total Adblock
-
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including YouTube video ads
-
Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
-
Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Author Details
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Sara J. Nguyen is a freelance writer specializing in cybersecurity. She aims to help people protect their data while enjoying technology. She has written about online privacy and tech for over 5 years for several organizations. When she's not writing about the latest cybersecurity trends, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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